The long-term effects of low dose aspirin on cancer and overall health in older adults
Official title: Aspirins legacy on cancer and overall benefit: risk balance over a 15-year horizon
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11190013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking low dose aspirin can help prevent cancer and improve health for older adults aged 65 and up, while also checking for any risks like heart issues or stomach problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $641,508 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA301988-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are at risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with contraindications to aspirin use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of low dose aspirin in preventing cancer and improving overall health outcomes in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over. It aims to fill gaps in existing knowledge by evaluating the long-term effects of aspirin on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, as well as its impact on cardiovascular disease risk and gastrointestinal bleeding. The study will also enhance risk prediction models to ensure they are applicable to diverse populations. By analyzing data over a 15-year horizon, the research seeks to determine the overall health benefit versus risk of aspirin use in this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into how low dose aspirin may help prevent cancer and improve health outcomes for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of low dose aspirin in older populations, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warner, Erica T — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Warner, Erica T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
-
Phase 2b trial of dengue vaccines TAK-003 and Butantan-DV to boost lasting, broad antibody protection
A trial tests whether giving a second dengue vaccine (Butantan-DV) after an initial TAK-003 shot can create stronger, longer-lasting antibodies that work against all dengue types.
-
Aging and aspirin: a long-term look at cancer, heart health, and brain risks
A large study at a top hospital will follow older adults to understand how low-dose aspirin influences cancer, heart disease, and brain health over many years.
-
CBD and brain signals: how cannabidiol may rebalance nerve signals in kids with epilepsy
A small, child-focused research project will explore how CBD could help balance brain signals and reduce seizures in young children with difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
-
A Balanced Reach Training Platform to Help Balance in Older Veterans
A new training program uses balance challenges to improve posture and movement in older veterans who are at risk of falls.
-
Balanced Reach Training to Improve Balance for Older and Neurologically Disabled Veterans
This project uses a progressive reach‑at‑your‑limits training program to help older and neurologically disabled Veterans strengthen balance and lower fall risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.